Publications

A short-standoff bistatic lidar system coupled with an aerosol chamber has been built to measure aerosol optical backscatter and laser induced fluorescence cross-sections. Preliminary results show good sensitivity across all channels with high signal-to-noise ratio. © OSA 2012.

Abstract not provided.

Abstract not provided.

Injection of high power, multi-mode laser profiles into a fiber optic delivery system requires controlling a number of injection parameters to maximize throughput and minimize concerns for optical damage both at the entrance and exit faces of the fiber optic. A simple method for simultaneously achieving a compact fiber injection geometry and control of these injection parameters, independent of the input source characteristics, is provided by a refractive lenslet array and simple injection lens configuration. Design criteria together with analytical and experimental results for the refractive lenslet array and short focal length injection lens are presented. This arrangement provides a uniform spatial intensity distribution at the fiber injection plane to a large degree independent of the source mode structure, spatial profile, divergence, size, and/or alignment to the injection system. This technique has application to a number of laser systems where uniform illumination of a target or remote delivery of high peak power is desired.

Industrial, military, medical, and research and development applications of lasers frequently require a beam with a specified irradiance distribution in some plane. A common requirement is a laser profile that is uniform over some cross-section. Such applications include laser/material processing, laser material interaction studies, fiber injection systems, optical data/image processing, lithography, medical applications, and military applications. Laser beam shaping techniques can be divided in to three areas: apertured beams, field mappers, and multi-aperture beam integrators. An uncertainty relation exists for laser beam shaping that puts constraints on system design. In this paper we review the basics of laser beam shaping and present applications and limitations of various techniques.

The most common tool used by aircraft inspectors is the personal flashlight. While it is compact and very portable, it is generally typified by poor beam quality which can interfere with the ability for an inspector to detect small defects and anomalies, such as cracks and corrosion sites, which may be indicators of major structural problems. A Light Shaping Diffuser TM (LSD) installed in a stock flashlight as a replacement to the lens can improve the uniformity of an average flashlight and improve the quality of the inspection. Field trials at aircraft maintenance facilities have demonstrated general acceptance of the LSD by aircraft inspection and maintenance personnel.

Physical Optical Corporation has introduced a Light Shaping Diffuser{trademark} (LSD) for the specialized illumination requirements of aircraft inspection. Attached to a handheld, battery-powered flashlight, this light-weight, holographic diffuser element provides bright, even illumination as aircraft inspectors perform the important task of visually examining aircraft for possible structural defects. Field trials conducted by the Aging Aircraft Program at Sandia National Laboratories confirm that the LSD-equipped flashlights are preferred by visual inspectors over stock flashlights.

This report describes the Height of Charge measurement for the Middle Key 4 test conducted at the FCDNA Permanent High Explosives Test Site (PHETS) on 17 September, 1993. The object of the measurement was to monitor remotely the change in the height of the explosive charge suspended above the test pad once the site had been evacuated until detonation. Should the measurement have shown that the charge changed height by more than 15cm then a hold in the test was to be called so that a height adjustment in the suspension system could be made. The measurement system consisted of a remotely placed video camera linked to the test control center-based measurement computer via a fiber optical video data link, a pole mounted stationary reference target, and a target mounted on the charge bag. Measurement of the change in height was determined using image analysis software on frame grabbed images. Measurements indicate that the charge bag did not deviate from the initial surveyed height of 1747cm by more than 1cm between the last measurement made by the survey crew until detonation 40 minutes later.